Faster. More intense. Even more realistic... Codemasters is going for more, more, more with its Colin McRae franchise in 2005, upping the ante even further for hardcore rally fans.

New to Colin McRae Rally 2005 is the Career Challenge, designed to test the limits of your rallying prowess with a series of different events. 23 different rally events will be testing you over a series of Challenges, Cups, SuperCups, Shields and Championships, in a variety of different rally vehicles

Starting as a lowly beginner driving two-wheel drive cars in lower league events, you'll (hopefully) start winning races and championships, and climb the rally ranks, earning new parts for your cars in the process. Over 300 stages in nine international locations await to test your skills in a variety of car types, including 4WD, 2WD, 4WD classics, RW cars and plenty more.

If the Career Challenge sounds like a bit much for a quick play session, there's still plenty of fun to be had in CMR 2005's other play modes. The 4WD Championship mode lets you drive as Colin, although you can choose which car he races through six rallies. There's also a chance to race in individual rallies and stages, including the new German tracks.

As if this all wasn't enough, CMR 2005 has more tricks up its exhaust pipe, including online play. Up to eight Network Adaptor-equipped drivers can compete in single stages, country rallies or custom rallies. Of course, there's also the visual upgrades you expect with any new McRae game; now you'll be able to see every scratch and dent on your ride, right down to chipping the paintwork.